How long is Jacob’s Ladder in Tasmania?
Tasmania, oceania
17.7 km
1,452 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk Ben Lomond Mountain in Tassie, a proper bucket-list destination near Launceston. Picture this: a wild, unpaved road corkscrewing up 1,452 meters (that's 4,763 feet!). We're talking Ben Lomond Road, baby, starting from Upper Blessington and clocking in at 17.7 km (almost 11 miles) of pure driving exhilaration.
The highlight? Jacob’s Ladder! This legendary stretch features six super-tight hairpin turns carved into dramatic dolerite cliffs. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every white-knuckle moment. It’s steep though – hit 13% gradients in places. Take your time – this is a road to savor, not speed through.
Speaking of speed, stick to 30 km/h! This road demands respect. Give way to uphill traffic, and if you're heading down, drop a gear and let that engine braking do its thing. The average grade is 6.15%, and the whole climb from Upper Blessington gains you a whopping 1,089 meters. Even bus drivers need special licenses for Jacob’s Ladder. Watch out for those rogue rocks and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Allow around 45 minutes for the drive, not counting stops for photos (and you'll want to stop!). And pro tip: if you're hitting this up in winter (which is ski season, FYI), pack your chains. Seriously, check the conditions and carry them between June and September – they may close the road with no warning. Ben Lomond National Park is jaw-dropping, offering views for days. The park's massive plateau and sheer cliffs are unforgettable.
Road Details
- Country
- Tasmania
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 17.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,452 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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